Methadone Treatment Clinic at CAMH

CAMH Connexions

Winter 2005-06

Methadone maintenance treatment was first developed in the 1960s to prevent symptoms of withdrawal and reduce drug cravings in people dependent on heroin or other opioids. Methadone itself is a "synthetic" opioid, but it does not interfere with people's thinking; it allows people to work, go to school or care for their family. Methadone also blocks the euphoric effect of heroin and other opioids, and in this way reduces the use of these drugs.

Today, methadone maintenance is a medical treatment available to 7000 people across Ontario, including 300 at CAMH, and is prescribed only to people who have been diagnosed as already dependent on opioid drugs.

Why treat with methadone? An addiction to substances like heroin or alcohol is a chronic health condition, and there are times when medications — coupled with other sources of support and intervention — are required in order for clients to make a full recovery.

Those in the CAMH Methadone Treatment Program have a dedicated physician to provide medical care, as well as a therapist to provide cognitive therapy and case management. The program involves daily dispensing of methadone and supervised drug screens. Clients can develop and pursue an individualized treatment plan, including setting goals around the reduction or cessation of opioid or other drug use, in collaboration with their physician, therapist and other members of the multi-disciplinary team.

Dennis James

"While in the past methadone treatment has been primarily associated with heroin use, we are finding that the face of opioid dependency is changing," said Dennis James, Deputy Clinical Director, Addiction Program, CAMH. "We are now seeing individuals in our clinic who have acquired dependencies on oral opiates such as Percocet and OxyContin that have been given to them as prescriptions for pain management.

"We have a mix of clients in various stages of recovery; some of our clients have stable jobs and family lives and are active members of the community; others are at a higher risk of relapse because they face more difficult life circumstances and require more psychosocial counselling in order for them to achieve the goal of long term recovery."

For people diagnosed as opiate dependent, methadone provides a safe alternative to the routine danger and desperation of securing a steady supply of street drugs such as heroin. It frees them from the nagging compulsion to use, and allows them a chance to focus on improving their lives. As a result of methadone treatment, there has been a decrease in the number of heroin-related tragedies, including death by overdose, and infection (through needle sharing) with viruses such as HIV and hepatitis C. Methadone maintenance is not a "cure", but it is an effective treatment. People are encouraged to stay in treatment for as long as it helps them.

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